Humane Race Draws Hundreds of People, Pooches
 Dogs large and small participated in this year's Humane Race, a fundraiser for the Berkshire Human Society. |
Organizer Alix Cabral, after getting some well-deserved rest, sent us an email on Sunday saying that 261 people and 140 dogs participated in the popular event.
The numbers who signed up are on par with last year's event, but likely far more actually showed up to walk or run than did in 2010, when rain hampered the turnout.
Some 50 volunteers, including Williams College and Mount Greylock Regional High School students helped with setting up and registering. "Elizabeth Hewett who was a freshman at Williams in 2003 and helped me start the race, is now a doctor and came back to volunteer, as she does most years," wrote Cabral.
Among the notable participants was Paul Poulin and Abbey, his 16 1/2-year-old dog, both of whom finished the 5-kilometer run. There was also an inspiring three-legged, short-haired pointer, Simon Snorkel, who ran with owner Kim Holzer from Washington, D.C. Simon lost his leg to an infection after being hit by a car.
Steve, an almost 8-year-old beagle mix who is up for adoption at BHS, walked the race with staff member Lindsay Hermanski.
Vivian Patterson was awarded the iPad2 after receiving five entries into the drawing for raising $500 in pledges. One entry was given for each $100 raised, but you had to raise at least $500 to be in the drawing.
Along with the usual treats and baths, this year there were games for dogs. There was biscuit eating for large and small pooches and a version of musical chairs — last dog sitting when the music stopped was the winner.
The Humane Race, sponsored by Greylock Animal Hospital in North Adams, has been held in downtown Williamstown the last few years. The 5K race and 1-mile walk are open to both dogs and humans and begin on Water Street and end at the parking lot on Spring Street.
More information on the race can be found here; find a new friend at the Berkshire Humane Society here.
